Your best bet is to scan the whole message board to see a huge variety of opinions on STJ and what it offers. We've been briefly to Anguilla and STJ is much more varied in terms of services, activities, etc but its all in the eye of the beholder. If you are't aware of this, its extremely hilly and driving must be slow. I seem to remember Anguilla as being flat. Again,cruise through the messages and/or pick up a book offered at the top of the board to a great overview. Its our favorite island out of the half dozen we've spent time at and we're already planning trip #5 despite the fact that we just got back from trip #4!

St Bart's is much more cosmopolitan than both Anguilla and STJ.

If you love Anguilla, you will probably love STJ.

Anguilla, as you know, is flat and arid. It is a coral island. Palm trees are shipped in for their placement in the exclusive resorts like Cuisinart, Malliouhana and Cap Juluca and at finer villas.

Anguilla's villas are some of the best in the world - especially with Anguilla's visitors having such deep pockets and the celebrity craze over the anonymity they find on Anguilla (I've been in Johnno's when Janet Jackson was there, on the dance floor- for example). The beaches and waters are absolutely to die for - as are St John's.

STJ is less expensive than Anguilla when dining out and STJ has more options for restaurants. STJ is much, much more lush and tropical feeling with all of the green, flora and mountains. STJ has more villa options - especially for travelers who want more reasonably priced villas.

STJ has more activities, though, not many 🙂 Though Anguilla has more resorts than STJ, Anguilla's resorts are pretty exclusive (again, the celebrity/millionaire hideaway thing) - so it isn't like a villa guest would get any use of the facilities anyway.

Anguilla offers more beachfront villa options.

Ferry from Anguilla to SXM is similar in time to the ferry from STJ to STT. STJ is better positioned for island hopping to more islands (BVIs).

They are both the beach/water lover's paradise. In my opinion, STJ wins for natural beauty and tropical splendor and Anguilla wins for its people and their unending smiles.

Thank you so much for all the info.
I just went on line and found so much information on St john. You're right St john seems to be more lush, green; wich we like.
I'm sure we are going to love it, we love to hike, and love just to hang out on the beach and do some snorkling. we don't need alot of fancy restaurants,we just like to enjoy our time together and reconnect. (31 years of marriage you need to spend time working on it.)
Thank you so much for all of the advice on this board, we will have the time of our lives for sure.....

Hi, if you like to hike, scroll down and check out my STJ Trip Report. I also like to hike and reported on two I liked. enjoy!

I second what canoebase says about the Reef Bay Trail Hike. It is without a doubt the best guided hike I think I've been on. The Ram's Head hike is also great and a must do, both day and night, especially if you are staying in the Coral Bay area, (do with a full moon and be careful!) My trip report on the Reef Bay Hike is way over the archive horizon somewhere after 8/1/05. Have a great trip and share you experiences with us when you return!

I'd suggest getting a guidebook or two. I'm partial to "Feet, Fins &4WD" and "STJ Off the Beaten Track". Both are good for info about the hikes and beaches of STJ. One of the great features of STJ is how much good snorkeling there is right off the beaches.

Thank you for your help, I have looked into the guide books and plann on odering them. This forum is the best when it comes to information, you guys are the best, we are planning on going June 3rd for 2 weeks, can't wait. will do a trip report.

I second that- we're at 28 years and a good shot of life on STJ helps you make it through another year! BTW- you might find the terrific Feet and Fins book where you're staying. We stayed this last time at the Concordia Ecotents and the book was in our tent cabin and was very accurate regarding snorkling beaches and their access. I'll chime in too on the hikes- the Rams Head hike is a true hike- rugged with great scenery (bring a ton of water) but while the Reef Bay was interesting and pretty, it was very slow, much more of a stroll so if you're looking for a workout hike, this isn't it. You'll love STJ!!